FAQ'S
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
WHAT IS IT?
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote the
body's natural ability to heal and to improve its functioning. Inserting
needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at precise acupuncture
points does this.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy or
(chi) run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These
energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to
irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these
energy rivers is like a dam that backs up the flow in one part of the body and
restricts it in others. Needling the acupuncture points can influence the
meridians; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and
reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can
therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their
digestion, absorption and energy production activities and in the circulation of
their energy through the meridians. The modern western scientific explanation is
that needling the acupuncture points stimulated the nervous system to release
chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either
change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other
chemicals and hormones, which influence the body's, own internal regulating
system. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture
results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting
physical and emotional well being.
WHAT IS CHI OR QI?
Many people describe it as energy on the verge of becoming
matter or material. Because this may be considered "intangible" or
"immeasurable" some people have a harder time relating to this term.
WHY ARE THERE SO MANY QUESTIONS TO COVER IN THE FIRST
TREATMENT?
Chinese medicine looks for patterns or imbalances in the system,
and there are several ways to find this i.e. observing the patients tongue and
overall appearance and complexion, feeling their pulses and getting the patient
medical history. These questions may not seem related to the primary complaints
but Chinese medicine has a different way of looking at the body and diagnosing
than traditional allopathic medicine does.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
The number of treatments needed differs for each person. For
complex or long standing/chronic conditions, one or two treatments a week for
several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are
required, and for health maintenance, four sessions a year may be all that is
necessary.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO THE TREATMENTS?
Usually not (rare). As energy or chi is redirected in the
body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take
place. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other
general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urinary patterns, or emotional
state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply
indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common with
the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even
mild disorientation immediately following the treatment, this passes within a
short time, and never requires more than a bit of rest.
WHAT ARE THE NEEDLES LIKE? DO THEY HURT?
People experience acupuncture needles differently. Most
patients feel minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at
all. Once the needles are in place there may be a tingly, or slight achy
sensation that dissipates after a few seconds. Acupuncture needles are very thin
and solid and are most are made from stainless steel, some are made from silver
or gold. The point of the needle is solid and smooth (not hollow with cutting
edges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is not as painful
as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is
rare and less than using a hollow needle. Because your acupuncturist uses
disposable needles there is no risk of infection from the treatments.
DOES ACUPUNCTURE REALLY WORK?
Yes. In the past 2000 years, more people have been successfully
treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Today
acupuncture is practiced widely in Asia, the Soviet Union and Europe.
Acupuncture treatment is now growing rapidly in North America. Acupuncture
treatments can be given at the same time other techniques are being used, such
as conventional Western allopathic medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic
adjustments, and homeopathic or naturopathic prescriptions. It is important
that your acupuncturist know everything that you are doing, so he or she can
help you get the most benefit from all of your treatments.
DO I HAVE TO BELIEVE IN ACUPUNCTURE FOR IT TO WORK?
No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and
other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the
process that helps them to get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may
reinforce the effects of most any type of treatment received, just as negative
attitude may hinder the effects of a treatment. A neutral attitude ("I don't
know if I believe in this") will not block the treatment results.
ARE THERE ANY "DO'S AND DON'TS" FOR ME ON THE DAY OF THE TREATMENT?
Yes. To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:
Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.
Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume
alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment. Plan your
activities so that after the treatment you cannot be excessively stressed or
over worked, this may be more important for the first few treatments.
Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your primary doctor.
Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) may interfere with the effectiveness of the treatments.
It is good to remember to keep mental or written notes of what your response to the treatment.
This can help your practitioner with follow up treatments to be more effective.
IS ACUPUNCTURE COVERED BY HEALTH INSURANCE?
Several insurance companies cover acupuncture costs; some other
companies do not yet recognize the value of acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
Each health policy must be reviewed to determine the acupuncture benefits. Many
acupuncture associations are working to inform insurance companies and the
public in order to standardize payment practices and accessibility to this type
of treatment. You can help by insisting that your insurance company offer you
reimbursement for acupuncture treatments before you accept their policy.
IS IT IMPORTANT WHICH ACUPUNCTURIST I CHOOSE FOR TREATMENT?
Like other professions the training can vary widely. The laws
for who can be an acupuncturist in each state can make a difference as well.
Some states require an acupuncturist to also be an MD or chiropractor yet may
require them to have no additional training or a very minimal i.e. 100 hours of
training with acupuncture. Many states require being a licensed or registered
acupuncturist to have at least 1800 hours of training and a diploma from a
school as well as nationally or state board certified. Also there are different
types of lineage for acupuncture training, like traditional Chinese medicine,
Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese based teachings, Five Element acupuncturists and
others: so it is a good idea when looking for an acupuncturist to ask them for
more details about their training.
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
WHAT IS IT?
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote the
body's natural ability to heal and to improve its functioning. Inserting
needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at precise acupuncture
points does this.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy or
(chi) run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These
energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to
irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these
energy rivers is like a dam that backs up the flow in one part of the body and
restricts it in others. Needling the acupuncture points can influence the
meridians; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and
reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can
therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their
digestion, absorption and energy production activities and in the circulation of
their energy through the meridians. The modern western scientific explanation is
that needling the acupuncture points stimulated the nervous system to release
chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either
change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other
chemicals and hormones, which influence the body's, own internal regulating
system. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture
results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting
physical and emotional well being.
WHAT IS CHI OR QI?
Many people describe it as energy on the verge of becoming
matter or material. Because this may be considered "intangible" or
"immeasurable" some people have a harder time relating to this term.
WHY ARE THERE SO MANY QUESTIONS TO COVER IN THE FIRST
TREATMENT?
Chinese medicine looks for patterns or imbalances in the system,
and there are several ways to find this i.e. observing the patients tongue and
overall appearance and complexion, feeling their pulses and getting the patient
medical history. These questions may not seem related to the primary complaints
but Chinese medicine has a different way of looking at the body and diagnosing
than traditional allopathic medicine does.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
The number of treatments needed differs for each person. For
complex or long standing/chronic conditions, one or two treatments a week for
several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are
required, and for health maintenance, four sessions a year may be all that is
necessary.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO THE TREATMENTS?
Usually not (rare). As energy or chi is redirected in the
body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take
place. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other
general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urinary patterns, or emotional
state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply
indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common with
the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even
mild disorientation immediately following the treatment, this passes within a
short time, and never requires more than a bit of rest.
WHAT ARE THE NEEDLES LIKE? DO THEY HURT?
People experience acupuncture needles differently. Most
patients feel minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at
all. Once the needles are in place there may be a tingly, or slight achy
sensation that dissipates after a few seconds. Acupuncture needles are very thin
and solid and are most are made from stainless steel, some are made from silver
or gold. The point of the needle is solid and smooth (not hollow with cutting
edges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is not as painful
as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is
rare and less than using a hollow needle. Because your acupuncturist uses
disposable needles there is no risk of infection from the treatments.
DOES ACUPUNCTURE REALLY WORK?
Yes. In the past 2000 years, more people have been successfully
treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Today
acupuncture is practiced widely in Asia, the Soviet Union and Europe.
Acupuncture treatment is now growing rapidly in North America. Acupuncture
treatments can be given at the same time other techniques are being used, such
as conventional Western allopathic medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic
adjustments, and homeopathic or naturopathic prescriptions. It is important
that your acupuncturist know everything that you are doing, so he or she can
help you get the most benefit from all of your treatments.
DO I HAVE TO BELIEVE IN ACUPUNCTURE FOR IT TO WORK?
No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and
other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the
process that helps them to get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may
reinforce the effects of most any type of treatment received, just as negative
attitude may hinder the effects of a treatment. A neutral attitude ("I don't
know if I believe in this") will not block the treatment results.
ARE THERE ANY "DO'S AND DON'TS" FOR ME ON THE DAY OF THE TREATMENT?
Yes. To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:
Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.
Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume
alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment. Plan your
activities so that after the treatment you cannot be excessively stressed or
over worked, this may be more important for the first few treatments.
Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your primary doctor.
Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) may interfere with the effectiveness of the treatments.
It is good to remember to keep mental or written notes of what your response to the treatment.
This can help your practitioner with follow up treatments to be more effective.
IS ACUPUNCTURE COVERED BY HEALTH INSURANCE?
Several insurance companies cover acupuncture costs; some other
companies do not yet recognize the value of acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
Each health policy must be reviewed to determine the acupuncture benefits. Many
acupuncture associations are working to inform insurance companies and the
public in order to standardize payment practices and accessibility to this type
of treatment. You can help by insisting that your insurance company offer you
reimbursement for acupuncture treatments before you accept their policy.
IS IT IMPORTANT WHICH ACUPUNCTURIST I CHOOSE FOR TREATMENT?
Like other professions the training can vary widely. The laws
for who can be an acupuncturist in each state can make a difference as well.
Some states require an acupuncturist to also be an MD or chiropractor yet may
require them to have no additional training or a very minimal i.e. 100 hours of
training with acupuncture. Many states require being a licensed or registered
acupuncturist to have at least 1800 hours of training and a diploma from a
school as well as nationally or state board certified. Also there are different
types of lineage for acupuncture training, like traditional Chinese medicine,
Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese based teachings, Five Element acupuncturists and
others: so it is a good idea when looking for an acupuncturist to ask them for
more details about their training.